Concord, NC — Ted Christopher made the trip down south worthwhile Saturday night at Concord Speedway. Christopher passed Burt Myers on the opening lap and led wire-to-wire to win the Capital Bank 150 in the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour season opener.

Chistopher, the defending NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour National Champion, won his third career NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour race and the first Tour event held at the half-mile, tri-oval. Christopher’s other two NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour wins came in the 2005 and 2006 season openers.

Rowan Pennink followed in second. George Brunnhoelzl III came through the field to finish third after starting last because of engine problems. Myers, who won his series record 18th Coors Light Pole Award earlier in the day, finished fourth and Erick Rudolph completed the top five.

Brandon Ward followed in sixth place, which also garnered him Sunoco Rookie of the Race honors, and L. W. Miller followed in seventh. Frank Fleming, John Smith and Ron Silk completed the top 10.

The race was slowed just three times by caution.

The NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour will return to racing with a doubleheader next weekend. The Lightnin’ Fast 150 is Friday at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, N.C., followed by the first trip to Caraway Speedway on Saturday.